impugn

verb

Definition of impugnnext
as in to criticize
formal to criticize (a person's character, intentions, etc.) by suggesting that someone is not honest and should not be trusted He impugned his rival's character. Her motives have been scrutinized and impugned.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of impugn This is a political tactic of the most crude sort, making no effort to refute an argument but to instead impugn the motives of those making it, along with the assumption that people with white skin can always and forever have only suspect motives. — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026 Cohen still got disciplined for lack of diligence, impugning the qualifications and integrity of a judge, and engaging in conduct that’s prejudicial to the administration of justice. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2026 So the markets are the ultimate arbiter of over whether the Fed’s independence is being impugned. — NBC news, 18 Jan. 2026 Paltrow gives a curiously pulseless performance that might have impugned some of her blossoming star power had Hush opened when it was supposed to. — Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impugn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impugn
  1. criticize
  2. blame
  3. denounce
  4. condemn
  5. accuse
Verb
  • Wasserman Schultz was sharply criticized by Black community leaders and the other four candidates, who are all African American, for running in this district.
    — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Ba's novels explored women caught between traditional upbringing and modern aspirations, criticizing polygamy, widespread in the country, and patriarchy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of criticize
Verb
  • But blaming the technology risks obscuring the fact that humans write the code, select the data on which AI systems are trained, approve their use, and decide where and how they are deployed.
    — Shaun Harper, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Many adults who struggle with food or body image blame the role models who were dieting during their childhood.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of blame
Verb
  • Curtis’ office, and created online petitions denouncing Kurv’s industrial plan, garnering more than 1,000 signatures.
    — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Pyongyang has long denounced the joint drills, calling them a rehearsal for invading the North.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of denounce
Verb
  • Based on a Joseph Conrad story, the period drama follows two officers in Napoleon’s army (Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel) whose minor quarrel condemns them to 15 years of repeatedly trying to kill each other.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Police opened an investigation earlier this summer into death threats against Gabela left under one of Corben’s posts, which Corben condemned.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of condemn
Verb
  • The Motherland Party filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court, demanding its removal from the ballot, accusing Yabloko of copyright infringement and exceeding campaign spending limits.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • He has been accused of assault by a woman who filed a police report last year, and a former girlfriend filed a restraining order against him.
    — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of accuse

Browse Nearby Words

impudently
impugn
impugned
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Cite this Entry

“Impugn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impugn. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of impugn for Spanish Speakers

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